Montana authorities have expanded their search efforts to capture a former soldier accused of killing four individuals at a local bar. They have cautioned the public that the suspect might be equipped with camping gear and survival supplies stolen from another vehicle.
The Montana Department of Justice reported on Sunday that Michael Paul Brown, 45, initially fled the Owl Bar assault on Friday night without a shirt and was barefoot. However, he was later sighted near a stolen white Ford F-150 loaded with clothing, food, and camping equipment.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen stated on Sunday, “When Michael Paul Brown escaped, he was shirtless and barefoot. We have solid indications that he has since acquired clothing and possibly camping equipment, allowing him to evade detection.”
Brown remained at large as of Monday, with the manhunt carrying on over the weekend.
A reward of $7,500 is being offered by the U.S. Marshals Service for information leading to Brown’s arrest or capture. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-877-926-8332.
Authorities have advised residents in the vicinity to stay indoors and remain vigilant. Brown is described as being 5-foot, 10-inches tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.
The state’s attorney general emphasized the danger posed by this armed and volatile suspect, advising the public not to engage with him. He remarked, “This is an unstable individual who committed the cold-blooded murder of four people without any apparent reason.”
Michael Paul Brown is wanted in connection to a shooting incident in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Montana. (Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center)
Brown was an armor crewman in the Army from January 2001 to May 2005 and served in the National Guard from April 2006 to March 2008, Army Public Affairs confirmed to Fox News Digital. He deployed to Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005 and left the service with the rank of sergeant.
He also served as an armor crewman in the Montana National Guard from April 2006 to March 2009, officials said.
